Grammy-nominated Afrobeat star Made Kuti has stirred conversations after declaring that his family has already sacrificed enough for Nigeria and that he would no longer risk his loved ones’ wellbeing for activism.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Breakdown podcast, Made reflected on his family’s long-standing legacy of activism, from his great-grandmother Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, his father Femi Kuti, and his uncle Seun Kuti. He questioned the effectiveness of their efforts, despite their well-documented struggles for social justice.
“They threw my great-grandmother from a story building. She was a righteous woman who gave everything for Africa’s growth. She died for the cause,” Made said.
He added, “What’s the point if all these people couldn’t bring change? What are the chances that my song or performance will?”
Made emphasized that change must come through collective effort, not individual heroism. While he still believes in doing his part, he’s not willing to sacrifice his family in the name of activism.
“I want to be on the right side of history, but not at the cost of those I love. My family has done enough already,” he concluded.
The singer’s remarks have sparked debate among fans and followers about the cost of activism and the burden placed on public figures to be agents of change.
